Barcelona will reportedly face competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, valued at €35 million by Serie A giants Napoli.
According to reputed French journalist Santi Aouna, Kalidou Koulibaly is the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain over a possible move in the summer transfer window. PSG will provide stiff competition to Barcelona in the race to sign the Senegalese defender, valued at €35 million by Serie A giants Napoli.
Kalidou Koulibaly has established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in July 2014. Over the last eight years, the 30-year-old has been a leader at the back for the Partenopei, amassing 315 appearances while chipping in with 14 goals and seven assists.
But the Serie A giants are in a spot of bother over Koulibaly’s long-term future, with the player’s contract running out next year. Such a situation has captured the attention of several high profile clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the advancing years of Gerard Pique, with the veteran centre-back in the twilight of his career. In addition, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Oscar Mingueza face uncertain futures at Camp Nou, with recent reports claiming the Catalan giants have deemed the trio surplus to requirements.
Koulibaly is thus a viable target for Barcelona, with the two parties reportedly in advanced talks over a summer move. But Barcelona will have to fend off stiff competition from PSG to secure the services of the 30-year-old Senegalese international.
PSG might have to invest in a central defender in the summer transfer window, as Sergio Ramos has struggled in his maiden campaign at Parc des Princes. In addition, Abdou Diallo’s future at PSG is up in the air, prompting Les Parisiens to scour the market for a centre-back, with Koulibaly emerging as an option worth considering.
Koulibaly will not cost a bomb either, with Napoli slapping a €35 million price tag on him. But while PSG will likely have no qualms about shelling out the required €35 million, Barcelona could stutter in his pursuit amid their ongoing financial crisis. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga develops in the coming weeks.
